(WSIL) -- The Women's Center is a safe haven for anyone who is a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault. It's putting on a fundraiser to continue its mission and serve eight counties in southern Illinois.
While in previous years, the Taste of Chocolate would draw hundreds of people to the Carbondale Civic Center that simply can't happen this year.
Instead, the event will be virtual as a health and safety precaution.
John Pfeifer, who is the Development Specialist for the organization, says tickets are readily available on the .
"Right on top you're going to see a link to buy tickets," he explains. "You will quickly get to the (ticket) screen and be able to buy as many as you want."
This is where participants can also bid on auction items, purchase 50/50 raffle tickets and make donations.
Throughout the years that The Women's Center has hosted this fundraiser, organizers have focused on auction items that are experiences like trips and dining out instead of items.
"Unfortunately those are the very businesses that have been hit the hardest over the past year; they are struggling," Pfeifer says. "They want to help so we've tried to do some creative things this year."
Here's a list of this year's auctions items that have been donated so far:
- Weekend in St. Louis: Cape Air round trips, Union Station Hotel, dining at Landry's Seafood House and tickets to the Aquarium and The Wheel
- $1000 Tuition Voucher to John A. Logan (Fall 2021)
- Artwork and pottery
- Dining Certificates, gift cards, and gift Baskets from dozens of southern Illinois businesses
- Brew package
- Golf package with rounds of golf from six area courses
Pfeifer hopes that other businesses in the region will become first-time donors and help fill the gap.
Even though it's a virtual event, there's still plenty of chocolate to satisfy your sweet tooth.
On the day prior and the morning of the event, staff and volunteers will be dropping off a box with the sweet treats or coupons to participating vendors like Cool Spoons Frozen Yogurt.
"It's obviously hard to deliver frozen yogurt to a couple hundred ticket holders and 25 sponsors," he laughs.
Pfeifer reminds while many look forward to this fun event, it's for a serious cause. Domestic violence and sexual abuse have always been issues but many victims have been sheltered in place with their abusers making it hard to reach out for help.
"They no longer have the time to call," he explains. "Their kids are not at school. They have no time to themselves. Their abuser is this constant that they can't escape."
The event is taking place on February 5, 2021 and more information can be found .
